" Drilled wells have the potential to have surface water contamination."

A drilled well is subject to influences from the incoming water table and surface water from runoff, septic systems and agricultural contamination. This article is a general summary of what can be in well water and provides information on contaminants, well practices and water testing.

I have observed a recurring theme in my twenty years of experience with regards to water quality. There are a multitude of perceptions that have been expressed by people regarding the water at their home or cottage. For some the idea that their well water is clean, clear and safe is literally passed from generation to generation.

I believe that this is the way that many people want to see their water.

"Drinking water should be a personal choice based on water education."

The general public has developed a neutral disinterest to the multitude of water warnings and often dismiss them as “not in my backyard”. Water is called the "universal solvent" because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid. It is important to every living thing on earth and wherever water goes, it takes along chemicals, minerals, and nutrients it has encountered along the way.

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"The risk of bacterial contamination is just as great for one family as it is for a daycare center full of toddlers."

Sales of ultra violet disinfection systems should be by licensed dealers / retailers who educate the consumer and properly apply the equipment to incoming water quality, flow and system requirements. Almost 20 years of field experience has shown me that 8 out of every 10 UV systems are installed incorrectly, do not have the proper incoming water quality and have no monitoring or shutoff devices.

The time has come for change in the industry to ensure the safety of consumer’s drinking water.

"Rainwater collection and advancements in treatment technologies provide a safe water source for wide variety of uses."

Boil water advisories, rising water costs, declining lake levels, incidents of Blue Green Algae, Zebra Mussels, E-Coli and Coliform, adverse well water quality and dry wells have become regular occurrences on Manitoulin Island and throughout the province of Ontario. Rainwater Harvesting provides a viable, cost saving and environmentally sound alternative for water usage.
Rainwater is a valuable source and a great way to conserve water in your home or cottage.

Rainwater is a valuable source of water and a great way to conserve water in your home or cottage.

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Public Health Sudbury & Districts have indicated that Lake Kagawong on Manitoulin Island has tested positive for blue-green algae. The health unit says samples taken by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on September 17th 2018 have tested positive for the species of bacteria that can produce toxins.

Blue Green Algae have the potential to cause serious illness. Do not drink, bath or cook with the water.

Over the years I have experienced many interesting situations with water quality and testing. This example is most definitely at the top of the list and raises serious concerns about water safety. As part of routine water testing, I showed up to take a sample for bacterial analysis. After running the tap for a couple of minutes, there was a distinct chemical smell which did not diminish as the tap ran.

Before you drink your next glass of water, consider the water source and make an educated choice.

"Each water test is a snapshot of one day in a year. What about the other 364?"

The drilling of a well is a welcomed act for many people as it provides the necessity of water for their home or cottage. In Canada we are fortunate to have an abundance of groundwater that can provide a reliable, year round source of water for many municipalities and rural owners. The need for properly installed water treatment devices is no longer one of perceived need but one of necessity to ensure the safety of water for the consumer.

Groundwater is variable and subject to seasonal, environmental and human fluctuations.

"A Health Unit Water Test is not a statement of the overall drinking water quality."

Bacterial water contamination is a serious issue that has ramifications for human health. The importance of a Health Unit water test cannot be understated as it can identify potential for illness due to bacteria present in water. When submitting a water sample to a Public Health Unit in the province of Ontario, do you know what is being tested for? Do you assume that the safety of the water is being tested for and the results are a good determination of overall drinking water quality?

Does a good test result put your mind at ease that the water is safe for consumption?

"Out of sight, invisible and dissolved in water, TDS what you cannot see."

If a glass of water is held up and it is colourless, crystal clear and has no odour would you think there is much wrong with the water? Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are completely dissolved in a water supply and generally invisible to the human eye. They are not associated with a bacterial test and are not tested for at the Public Health Unit when you submit a water sample. At certain level’s they pose a risk and are not a recommended drinking water source according to the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines.

What you flush is out of sight and mind for most people. The impact of what goes down the drain is an elephant in the room in dire need of attention. Every water source large, small, municipal or rural has come in contact with some level of contaminant. The argument can be made that there is no "pure" water source left in the province, country or planet anywhere human interaction has taken place.

"When
buying a home water in the country, water should be one of the most
critical considerations."

Buyers will often trust the seller or realtor
when a water sample is submitted to the local health unit. In some
cases, the buyer will simply receive the test results through their
lawyer. The goal of this publication is to raise awareness for the
possibility of tampering with a water sample and the potential for
illness to occur. When it comes to water, safety is of paramount concern
and too often buyers purchase a home with a good water sample and never
consider to test the water again. Unfortunately, the consequences can
lead to illness and sometimes be costly.

Consider a third party to test the water in a real estate transaction.

“Too often home
owners trust the water implicitly when a Residential UV System is
installed.”

When you purchased a UV System it was to protect the water in your home,
cottage or business from bacteria present in water. It is likely that
no one informed you of the risk
associated with Power Outages or Proper Maintenance and the assumption is
made that if the power light is on, the system is working properly and
treating the water. This is not always the case.

Over the last 25 years the use of Ultra
Violet Disinfection Systems has become common place for keeping bacteria
out of rural water supplies. If you own a home in the country, it is
very likely that a UV System (also known as Blue Light or Sterilizer) is
installed either at the kitchen sink or where the water enters the
house.

All ultra violet disinfection systems require proper maintenance and setup to be effective.